BF celebrates Black History Month with epeeist Margarette Oniye. We find out why she started fencing and her message to the fencing community.
October is Black History Month in the UK, an annual month that celebrates and reflects on Black history, arts and culture, as well as recognising the achievements and roles of Black people in shaping history.
To celebrate Black History Month, throughout October we are asking some of the members of our community to tell us more about themselves and their lives in fencing.
Introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Marg Oniye. I am an epeeist. I fence at Haverstock in London. I compete on the Senior and Veteran circuits.
How long have you been fencing?
20 years. 7 years at LTFC and the last 13 years at Haverstock.
Why did you start fencing?
Watching Fabrice and Jerome Jeannet (French men’s epeeists) at the 2004 Athens Olympics made me want to give it a try. And also to switch to an indoor sport (from athletics and netball outdoors).
What’s your message to the fencing community?
The importance of footwork (from which I derive 80% of my victories, as my bladework is mediocre)!
Additionally, with a strengthened Veterans circuit (both National and International), age is less of a barrier these days, and I would therefore encourage older fencers to give it a go!
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